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SEPTEMBER 2016
PA R K E R C O U N T Y T O D AY
Ryan Wilcox, Musician
Dream Job: Musician, Singer/Songwriter
Growing up, Ryan Wilcox has always wanted to be
a musician.
But then he realized that he had a talent for
singing and writing songs.
Wilcox started out playing music backing up
other musicians as a “side project,” because he was
playing with other bands.
“I’ve always listened to every kind of music from
classical and older country music to rap,” Wilcox
said. “I just play what I feel. I don’t try to mimic
other artists. I feel like I know great music so when
I play, it sounds like a mesh of all of those styles.”
His musical influences are legion and he has a hint
of an Irish sound.
“I have at least a dozen influences that include
singer-songwriters like Ray LaMontagne, Neal
Young and Bob Dylan,” said the 25-year-old Parker
Countian who has gained remarkab le popularity around the Metroplex, playing in trendy dives,
clubs and coffee houses like Lola’s, The Capitol
Bar, and The Grotto. He has also been a big hit at
some of PCT’s charitable events including Who’s
Gonna Fill Their Shoes and Boots, BBQ & Bachelors. Because of his unique style, soulful sound
and three-dimensional lyrics, he’s gained in popularity because listening to him is a true joy. He has
a long list of songs and isn’t stuck in one era. Original works range from Junior Kimbrough influenced
blues jams, to Dylanesque folk ballads driven by
finger-style guitars and harmonica.
It’s hard to believe that he’s only 25.
“I’d just like to be playing in front of as many
people as possible,” Wilcox said. “I’d like to be
making a very comfortable living playing my music,
but my main goal is to play and reach as many
people as possible.”
While the Metroplex has no shortage of singer/
songwriters, for lots of singer songwriters, it’s the
way that Wilcox connects with his audience that
sets him apart from other 20-something musicians.
He has the stage presence of a far more seasoned
artist, like Damien Rice or Ray LaMontagne.
PCT predicts that Wilcox is headed for great
things and big success. For now he’s clearly enjoying his growing fame and the small venues that
someday soon will be a luxury for him, because
he’ll be selling out bigger venues.
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